Concerned about insects getting through soffit

15 years ago

We recently had new vinyl siding and vinyl ventilated soffit (Certainteed InvisiVent) installed. We also had vent openings cut into the soffit because we only had a few small ones (with screens) previously. Before the vinyl soffit was installed, I asked if it would be necessary to have screens put over the new openings to help keep out insects. I was told that the holes in the vinyl would be sufficent.

Now I'm starting to wonder if I should have insisted on screens. During warmer weather, we have a lot of box elder bugs, wasps, and stink bugs around here. I don't think that the holes in the vinyl are small enough to keep them out. I'm having visions of major infestations in the attic and eventually the rest of the house.

DH says screens would just get clogged with dirt and block the ventilation. I think they'll do more good than harm. Am I worrying about nothing, or should I look into getting screens installed?

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Comments (5)

homebound
15 years ago
I clipped this from their spec sheet. The key word is "excessive".

"Where excessive insect infiltration may be a concern, openings may be covered with corrosion-resistant mesh or other screening material prior to soffit installation."
lionfan78_comcast_net
15 years ago
My experience shows that stink bugs get into the 'v' grooves of the soffit, at the edges and can squeeze up between the edge of the soffit and the inside edge of the facia board. that is the problem with vinyl soffit. If stink bugs can do it, any bug can. i am designing a method to seal the soffit.
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lorine1
6 years ago
I have this problem and I'm furious. My 4 year old house has insects like crazy in attic and unfinished space. Stink bugs yes, yes, lady bugs, yellow jackets, spiders, flys etc etc. Not from holes in soffit cover but by the end of groove of soffit cover. And many find their way into finished space of house. Shit construction today.🤬🤬😡😡 I'm wondering if it is partly to blame on instalation. I had so many idiots work on my house.
Mo
Original Author
6 years ago
I was notified of a new comment which was recently added. Since I'm here I'm happy to report that nine years after my original question, there has been no attic infestation.
HU-367463628
5 years ago
I agree. my house was built in 2008 and have the same issue.

”Not from holes in soffit cover but by the end of groove of soffit cover.”

I live in a very rural area of Western MD in the middle of the woods. ugh!!